Bardowie Castle facts for kids
Bardowie Castle is an old and interesting building in Scotland. It's about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) east of a town called Milngavie. This historic castle sits right next to Bardowie Loch, which is a beautiful lake. It's a very important building, listed as "A-Listed" because of its special history and architecture.
The Castle's Long History
Who Lived Here?
Bardowie Castle has been around for a long time. The Clan Galbraith owned this land way back in 1214. Later, in the late 1300s, it became the property of John Hamilton of Cadzow through marriage.
The main tower of the castle was built in 1566. More parts were added later, starting in the late 1600s or early 1700s. Another part of the castle was built in 1713.
In the mid-1700s, the castle changed hands again through marriage. It went to Thomas Buchanan of Spittal-Leny. His family owned Bardowie Castle until the early 1900s. One of his descendants, Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, was a well-known person who claimed to be the leader of Clan Buchanan.
How It Looked
In 1854, a writer named Hugh Macdonald described Bardowie Castle. He said it was a "moderate size" building. He also mentioned it looked a bit old but still felt "quiet, cozy, and comfortable."
Modern Times
In the 1900s, the castle was sold a few times. It was sold in 1912 and again in 1951.
Since 1973, Bardowie Castle has been a "category A listed building." This means it's a very important historic site that needs to be protected. The description noted that the older tower from 1566 and the newer parts from the late 1600s or early 1700s were still being used as a modern home.
In 2002, a person named Jack Black owned the castle. He was a motivational speaker. The inside of the castle had been updated a lot by then.
The castle was put up for sale again in 2019. Photos showed that the inside was still very modern. The castle grounds also included an old orchard, a tennis court, a walled garden, two garages, and a patio area.